Production
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
Median pay
$47,180
Growth to 2035
+1%
little or no change
Openings a year
11,600
Time to qualify*
6 months
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Hazardous conditions
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic: 61% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
- Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
- Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
- Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
- Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
- Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
- Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
- Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
Also called: Cell Technician · CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter) · Fabrication Set-Up Person · Injection Molding Technician · Machine Operator · Machine Technician · Mold Setter · Production Operator
Outlook and AI
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic held 127,100 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 127,900 by 2035 (+1%, little or no change; all jobs: +3.5%).
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